A Boy Named FDR: How Franklin D. Roosevelt Grew Up to Change America

by Kathleen Krull, Lou Fancher (Illustrator), Steve Johnson (Illustrator)

Franklin D. Roosevelt was born into one of the wealthiest families in America, yet this ultimate rich kid grew up to do more for ordinary Americans than any other president. This appealing picture book biography shows how, from childhood on, FDR  was compassionate, cheerful, determined, and enormously likable. Though he had private tutors as a young boy and later attended an elite boys' school, he played pranks and had down-to-earth fun just like any boy today. 

Kathleen Krull's animated picture book biography focuses on FDR's childhood years through his entry as a young man into politics and his battle with polio. A summary of his achievements as president and a chronology of his life are included. The well-researched text and the evocative illustrations by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher provide an inspiring introduction to one of our greatest presidents.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, History, American History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Biography Memoir

48 pages, Hardcover

First published December 28, 2010

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, learn about what growing up was like for FDR in this picture book biography.

[Nicole Doerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful biography about Franklin D. Roosevelt. This was intended for older children to read. The book goes to explain how this boy who had it all ended up doing so much good for America. It is his story about how he became and preformed his presidential tasks being the thirty-second president of the United States of America. During two of the most toughest times in this country, World War II and The Great Depression, he reached out and helped as many people that he could.I love how the pictures in this book are painting like and very detailed. They are also bright in color and fun for children. One most pages, the words are on one side and the pictures relating to it are on the other. I dislike this format for children which is the only reason I didn't rate it five stars. The book would best be used in the classroom when discussing the Presidents. This would also be a great book for a school aged child to use to do a report on the thirty-second president. I really enjoyed how this book took a lot of time to explore his childhood and not just his term in office. Reading it gave me a new found respect for Roosevelt.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good biography. It asked a clear question: How did such a rich boy grow up to be concerned about the poor and down on their luck people? then proceeds to answer the question. Meant for primary grades through about grade four, I found it interesting. Which proves my belief that a well written book can appeal to every age in the audience.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well illustrated biography of FDR as a child, with theories of how such a wealthy pampered only child could have grown up to be such a hero to the working class, offering America a New Deal and leading it out of the Morass of the Great Depression.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

did FDR reallyhave jay leno's chin?

[Elizabeth Boggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

FDR was born in 1882 to a very wealthy family. Anything that he wanted he was given. By the age of 6 he was learning French and German. FDR was a great child and barely got in trouble because his parents disapproval was enough punishment for him. He was a born leader, as a teen he was a leader at a sports camp. FDR's big role model was TR. As an adult he struggled with polio but this didn't stop him. FDR was a man that never gave up and worked hard, while helping others. He was elected four times, and he served longer than any other president. This book goes his life and his achievements. Starting from birth to death. I loved this book because it told his life as a story that was clear and able to understand. I also really like FDR so I enjoyed getting to read about him in a children's picture book. I would use this book when doing reports over presidents and what they have done to change America.

[Dani]

Title: A Boy Named FDR

Author: Kathleen Krull

Illustrator: Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher

Genre: Biography 3-5 grade

Theme(s): Determination, Empathy, Self-less Acts

Opening line/sentence: “All children like to think they’re the center of their universe. But a boy named FDR really was.”

Brief Book Summary: This book goes through FDR’s life starting with him as just a baby. He grows up with a tutor in the house who teaches him “every possible subject.” As a boy, he knew all of the presidents and thought that he could become the president someday. He was a boy who empathized with those less fortunate than him, and even worked at a food bank. He began his leadership when he was “put in charge of his dorm.” Additionally, his uncle, Theodore Roosevelt, was whom FDR looked up to as a role model. Following in his footsteps, FDR won his first election as chairman of the 1904 class of Harvard College. Later in his college years, he met his soon-to-be wife, Eleanor Roosevelt. FDR went on to study law, with a strong passion for politics. After college, Eleanor stood by his side, as he became the governor of New York. At 39, he began his fight against polio and was paralyzed from the waist down. He began to raise money for other people who suffered from polio. Eleanor persisted that he got back into politics and he ran to be the president of the United States of America. The last page explains his accomplishments as president and why he is seen as one of the best presidents in American history.

Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2010 (Vol. 78, No. 24))
This team of three once again encapsulates the life of a famous figure with a childhood view, animated text and expressive oil-and-ink illustrations (The Boy on Fairfield Street, 2004). The unbiased, straightforward account focuses on how his idol and cousin, President Theodore Roosevelt, influenced Franklin Delano Roosevelt's life. He had a pampered, wealthy childhood—never spanked and taught at home, by age six he could write letters to his Mama in French and German. TR told FDR's class at Groton, "Much has been given to you; therefore, we have a right to expect much from you." At age 18, FDR told his classmates at Harvard he wanted to go into politics—and even be president! His dream became an ambition that wasn't deterred even when he was stricken with polio at age 39. Full-page, painterly artwork evokes the times and the determination of FDR, and Krull has a knack for ferreting out interesting anecdotes that humanize the facts. Informative backmatter provides a dated list of his life and famous words and sources. Well done. 2011, Knopf, 48 pp., $20.99. Category: Picture book/biography. Ages 6 to 10. © 2010 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.
(PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf (New York:), PUBLISHED: 2011.)

Professional Recommendation/Review #2: John Peters (Booklist, Jan. 1, 2011 (Vol. 107, No. 9))
Echoing the overall theme and presenting, by and large, the same material, this purposeful picture-book biography follows Judith St. George s Make Your Mark, Franklin Roosevelt (2007) in tracing FDR s path from birth ( All children like to think they re the center of their universe. But a boy named FDR really was ) and schooling ( When he was put in charge of a dorm, he was a good leader, compassionate toward the new boys the way he wished he d been treated ) into public life. Awarding nods to the early influences of parents, a particular tutor, a schoolmaster, and cousin Teddy s zesty leadership, Krull closes with FDR s triumphant 1924 return to public life after being stricken with polio, summarizes the accomplishments of his later presidency, and ends with a combined list of dates and quotations. The figures in the large illustrations have a staid look, but FDR strikes appropriately heroic poses, and his outsize personality comes through clearly. Despite being a little loose in its chronology, this makes an acceptable introduction to our longest-serving president. Grades 3-5
(PUBLISHER: Alfred A. Knopf (New York:), PUBLISHED: 2011.)

Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both of these reviews recognized the same aspects I did in regards to the detailed description of FDR’s life and his passions along the way. The large illustrations give a vivid picture of the descriptions on the facing page, which is especially helpful for younger children who may not be able to read the words in full. This book shows the empathy that FDR carried with his personality, and how it brought him to be the longest serving president of the United States.

Evaluation of Literary Elements: This biography demonstrated different settings throughout FDR’s life, and made each of them flow into one another. The author did a tremendous job of explaining each stage of FDR’s life in a concise manner, with a facing illustration that showed the setting of the time period. Without this natural flow of setting, the book would seem choppy. However, this biography read like a story and was enjoyable to experience through the words and pictures.

Consideration of Instructional Application: After reading this book, students in third/fourth grade could create a poster board including facts in FDR’s life. This book would be a fantastic resource for the students to refer to as they created their poster boards. In addition, the students would be encouraged to research additional facts that may have not been included in the book. The students would then share their facts they found, so all of the students would be exposed to diverse facts about FDR’s life and terms as president of the United States.

[Elaine Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

How did Franklin D Roosevelt grow up to change America? This small book answers so many of those questions. An easy ready with very unique pictures to go along with the story. Franklin's life is so interesting because a seed to one day become president was planting inside of him from a very young age. Franklin had very good parents, relatives and teachers, who set him up for success. However, it was his work ethic, attitude and life experiences that carried him so far. He survived polio and learned how to sail a sailboat. An extremely talented guy, who carried America through some of the toughest times. I was not looking forward to this picture book because of the long paragraphs to read on every other page; however, I ended up really enjoying and learning a lot. As a teacher, I would us this book to teach about FDR and how he illustrated how to be a good person.

[Caleb Ensminger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about FDR and how he became such a great and inspirational leader. The book talks about how he grew up in a very wealthy household, so it wasn't common for someone of his class to be so mindful of the less fortunate. The book also goes on to explain how FDR was raised with incredible manners and always challenged himself with new things like hunting and sailing. This is a great book to read for anyone looking to get information on FDR.

I enjoyed reading this book. It had tons of interesting information on FDR and it was very cool to see an outline of his. The book was a little long, I could see where it would be tough for a class of elementary students to concentrate through the whole thing. I could use this book in a history lesson when teaching about some of the most influential presidents. I feel like a classroom could learn a ton from this book.

[Megan Ballard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learn about the childhood version of a very famous president, FDR, and how his home training raised him to change America! I enjoyed this book because I thought it was an interesting perspective on the story of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I liked how the book compares his character as president to the teachings of his parents. I would want to use this book to show kids how influential parents or parental figures can be in their lives. FDR had an important, highly valued relationship with his parents that taught him how to treat others and show them respect. Even if my students do not have parental figures or caring parents, I think they could read this book and perceive FDR's parents as their own, and learn many life lessons from them.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an illustrated book about Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, and the only president to hold three terms.

This book is primarily for young adults who want to learn about the life of a young man born into wealth, and who as an adult, was responsible for many accomplishments in advocating for the poor. Sadly in his adulthood he was struck down by polio. This crippling disease did not stop him from continuing his presidency and his tenacious spirit.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice biography of FDR. Recommended.

[Remy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't agree with all of FDR's politics, but this is a good children's biography about him with nice illustrations. I like how it emphasizes his character.

[Becky Pendleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book 1800s he was born
32nd president of the USA 🇺🇸

[Margo Tanenbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

How did a boy who grew up in the most privileged of American households become one of our presidents who did the most for the “common man”? Award-winning nonfiction author Kathleen Krull attempts to provide some answers to this historical mystery in her picture book biography of FDR, which concentrates on his youth and early adulthood, before he became president. As she explains in her preface, FDR was the “ultimate rich kid,” but one who is now ranked as one of our most inspirational presidents, due to his leadership during “two of our most frightening times,” the Great Depression and World War II.

Krull paints a verbal picture (accompanied by lovely illustrations done in oil in a traditional style) of Franklin Delano Roosevelt as an infant and toddler, drinking literally out of a silver cup and wearing clothes with fancy lace collars. As a young boy he had his own pony and learned how to hunt and be a proper gentleman. He was so indulged by his parents, and when he got in trouble, his father would tell him, “consider yourself spanked.”

From an early age, his parents and teachers tried to teach him to feel compassion for the less fortunate. We see him as a young child, handing out presents to the children of the Roosevelt household staff at Christmas, and accompanying his mother to hand out food to the poor. Later at school at Groton, his headmaster reinforced the lesson of helping the less fortunate, and encouraged young Franklin’s interest in politics. Franklin even spent a summer working as a camp counselor teaching water sports at a camp for poor boys.

Krull portrays Franklin’s budding interest in politics, encouraged by cousin Teddy’s win as president. He started out with class office at Harvard, and we see him at the beginning of his professional political career, running for the New York State Senate. But FDR’s path to the White House was not straight--since he was stricken with polio at 39. But this most active and athletic man was determined not to become a helpless invalid, and while “his legs had weakened and shrunk...just the opposite had happened to his mind.” The book concludes with FDR, portrayed on his crutches, aiming for the White House.

The book’s back matter includes a brief essay on FDR as president, a timeline of FDR’s life and famous words, and a brief bibliography, with sources especially appropriate for young readers indicated.

Kathleen Krull’s sensitively written narrative is enhanced by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher’s full page paintings, which have a nostalgic, old-fashioned feel to them that works well with the subject matter. This would be an excellent introduction to FDR for young people, providing them with background on the youth and early career of one of our most admired presidents.

[Komi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a children book, but nonetheless it does an excellent job of highlighting some great aspects of FDR. It highlights the youth; his youth was filled with wealth because his family is part of the Roosevelt dynasty. His family didn't let that affect his ego; FDR helped the poor and less fortunate. James and Sara Roosevelt, his parents, raised him to be knowledgeable on all topics. FDR knew French and German, which seems like a common thing for the wealthy because his future wife, Eleanor, was also taught this growing up. Eleanor is also his cousin, if anyone is curious.

FDR grew grew up to love politics because his relative Theodore Roosevelt was a great president. FDR spent years after graduating from Harvard replicating his relative Theodore's politic success. Unfortunately, FDR almost stopped when he was diagnosed with polio - a disease back then that was not curable, but now has a vaccine. FDR beat the disease and was encouraged by his wife Eleanor to continue. This led to his eventual presidential election that lasted four terms. During his presidency he was faced with two great crisis - the great depression and world war I I. The USA overcame the great depression because FDR devised the New Deal, which created a safety net a segment of the population and programs that created jobs.

This book is a good, quick overview of FDR, but make sure to read more on him to understand further what he did during his presidency.

[Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. It does not get into too many details but just kind of hits the highlights. It begins with his birth into a wealthy family and mentions the connections to his cousin Theodore Roosevelt. He went to a boarding school, Harvard, and Columbia Law School. His political career started small in New York as a state senator. He then contracted polio, and was essentially confined to a wheelchair or had to use crutches the rest of his life. He reentered politics and rose to be elected president 4 times. He brought the US through some of its roughest times.

I liked the book and the illustrations. I knew a little about FDR but not as much as the book contains. There are two things that really stick out to me about the book and his life. FDR was from a wealthy family and had everything he wanted and needed, but he spent a lot of his life trying to better the lives of those less fortunate. He could have chosen a life of relative ease after becoming ill, but he accepted this challenge and worked all the harder.

This book would be good for a class studying the presidents, and, depending upon the age of the students, could either serve as the main text or to initiate further research. I think it would be good to see someone who overcame challenges in their life and someone who chose to spend his life for others.

[Lisa Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful biography for older children to read. This book included some glorious illustrations as well. I feel that it is appropriate for some older children's books to have illustrations as well, especially with historical books and biographies, because it give children clearer images of what people wore etc. Franklin D. Roosevelt was such an important person in our Nation's History and I thought that Krull did a wonderful job keeping this concise, yet providing us with plenty of details from his childhood through the seasons of his life. Included at the end of the book is a timeline as well. This would be a wonderful biography to include in lessons for older children. Not only can they learn about a great man, but literacy and social studies lessons would be combined. Not only did FDR accomplish so much, but he did so with such great character. The book was very well done and the illustrations helped to capture the spirit and mood of the times. People of all ages should learn about this fabulous perosn in our Nation's History. He accomplished so much and did so with such humility and grace.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Krull tells about FDR's child and young adult life in a story that many students will be able to connect with. She describes his privileged childhood, years as a student and early career. FDR, though raised as a wealthy gentleman, was exposed to individuals from all walks of life and developed a true compassion for those (pretty much everyone else) less fortunate. I liked that this story about a 'boy' extends far enough to actually be a useful research resource for elementary school students. The narrative text is also interesting enough to be used as a nonfiction read aloud with students.

My beef, however, is that so many biographies written about a person's early life skip important information or details. I wish that historical context had been provide beyond just the election of several presidents. I also wish that Krull had included more information about polio and FDR's recuperation.

Recommended for grades 4 - 6, especially students working on biography research projects.

[Sam Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathleen Krull is a busy lady. Last year I think she had 4 (5?) books published, and she is starting off 2011 quickly with this one. And the thing is, the quality of her writing rarely thins out. Krull obviously goes in depth in her biographical studies, and it shows not only in her lists of sources, but also in her personal style of writing... reading Krull's books is somewhat akin to hearing a good story told by a friend.

In "FDR," Krull provides a lauditory look at the man, and as always she does an excellent job of making her subjects identifiable to a young audience. I was a bit puzzled at Krull's abrupt jump from FDR's first speech in public following his contraction of polio to his presidency. It could have very well been a short time frame between the two instances, but even still it is a somewhat jarring shift. However, this doesn't take away from the overall appeal of "FDR," which is another feather in Krull's cap.

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally Kathleen Krull is one of the finest writers of children's non-fiction going. But this one is spottier than usual.

I don't think it's nit-picking of me to point out that she makes no mention of his father's death, no mention whatsoever of his 5 children. There's no mention of his unsuccessful run as the Vice Presidential candidate in the text, no mention of his election as governor of NY State in the after word--just a listing in the timeline. That's sloppy work. And a line about the fact that he got back into politics because Eleanor Roosevelt stepped in and kept his name known while he was recovering would have been worth adding.

I am also not wild about the artwork, which is grainy textured. Many of the figures are not well proportioned and awkwardly posed.

All in all, a disappointing piece of work from someone for whom I have high expectations.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picture book biographies are a great way to introduce real people to the younger crowd. However, when using them, one needs to realize that they are not complete in any way (as if any biography could be), and they often tend to focus on the good points of the subject. Such is the case here. Krull does a nice job of giving the reader a look at FDR's privileged childhood. As an only child, FDR usually got what he wanted. His determined nature helped him weather rejection. I appreciated the writing which was easy to read and would be great for a read-a-loud. The illustrations help place the story in its historical setting. The timeline at the back is great for reports, as is the list of additional references. Overall, a good introduction to a very influential man and the characteristics and experiences that helped make him the man he became. Recommended.

[Colby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would award the 2010 Caldecott Medal to A Boy Named FDR by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. The The story itself is a good book, telling of the life of Franklin Delanor Roosevelt, but the pictures draw the reader in. They are paintings that seem to have an impressionist feel. They give the feel of being from the early 1900's when FDR was a boy. They also give enough scenery to be real, but also allow the reader to be able to use their imagination as to what they see when they hear or read the story. The pictures make you feel as though you are right there and part of the story, they are so vivid in color. I feel that Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher captured in thier pictures what Kathleen Krull has written.

[Jenny Schuth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Boy named FDR is a great non-fiction book about how Franklin D. Roosevelt grew up to become president of the U.S.. It was very interesting and talked about his childhood and persistence when he failed. I liked that he was handed almost everything but that didn't mean he could (or would) ignore those less fortunate than himself. He spent the time helping others and through many experiences with rejection he learned to love the underdog and outsiders. He was a very persistent man and that got him far in life.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lengthy and informative picture book about FDR, focusing on his childhood but briefly covering other major events in his life on his way to the presidency; a fun read that didn’t give that “biography” feel to it that some readers may avoid. The illustrations were stunning and perfect representation of the time. A Boy Named FDR will inspire students to do further research on this very affable man that called the White House home longer than any other.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very information biography about Franklin Roosevelt. The biography covers his childhood and depicts his strong belief in helping others despite the fact that he is rich and could live the easy life. The biography also shows how Theodore Roosevelt inspired him. A time line at the back of the book shows major events in his life.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful picture book about FDR, and I will definitely keep this book handy in my classroom. It is very accessible and tells some great stories from the young FDR's life. The book ends when he becomes president. The pictures in the book are wonderful and tell a great story in themselves and help support the text very well. Highly recommended.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminds me of the biography series I read as a child - the childhood of famous Americans. It is very basic but I liked it. The illustrations are great. Includes a timeline with quotes from his speeches and a bibliography.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Krull focuses on the events and experiences in FDR's privileged life that may have influenced his tendency to care for the poor.
It's a nice synopsis of his early life with pleasant illustrations that were as enjoyable to look at as the book was to read.

[Sharlet Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to read a book about FDR from his early years. Wonderful illustration. Many children may not know about FDR because I feel he is being removed from history lessons. A must have book for my classroom